Like clockwork, when 3 o’clock rolls around, my stomach starts rumbling for a mid-afternoon snack. Somehow, just three hours after lunch, I am always famished, and I often raid the pantry and refrigerator for something to eat. To keep the grumbling at bay, the first thing I make for myself (and for my kids when they are looking for an after-school snack) are huge açaí bowls, filled with fresh fruit.

I first encountered açaí bowls in Hawai'i, but have recently seen them popping up on the mainland, served in smoothie bars, which makes sense considering how addicting and practical they are. The bowls, made with nutrient-rich, blueberry-like berries from açaí palms, are perfect for breakfast, after a tough workout, and yes, to satisfy pre-dinner hunger.

For many months, I tried to recreate the bowls I fell in love with while on vacation, because let’s face it, a trip to a smoothie shop (not to mention Hawai'i) can get expensive. Luckily, they’re not at all hard to make at home.

To make your own, all you need is a blender and some açaí packets, which can be found in the freezer section of your local grocery store. Then it’s up to you. I like blending the açaí with banana for creaminess and sweetness, a little apple juice (though coconut water and almond milk work just as well), and some frozen pineapple and blueberries, as in the recipe below. If you need a kale fix, throw it in, or feel free to mix in chia seeds, as you desire. The toppings are the fun part: Granola is a must, topped with coconut and fresh fruit, and drizzled with honey.

As you dig into your bowl, each bite will be refreshing and satisfying. You may not be digging your toes on a beach in Hawai'i, but it feels pretty darn close.

Add the apple juice, banana, açaí, blueberries, and pineapple, in that order, to a blender. Blend on low speed until the mixture is thick and creamy. Pause as needed to scrape the mixture off the sides to help it blend evenly. Transfer to a bowl and let it set in the freezer while you prepare your toppings.

To serve, top with the strawberries, blueberries, banana, coconut, and granola. Add chia seeds as desired and sweeten with honey to taste. Enjoy immediately.

I recently saw a 4-pack of the acai berry mash for sale at Fred Meyer so I grabbed one to make this recipe. So yummy! However, I made the mistake of adding cacao nibs and they did not compliment the acai berry. Next time I'll make the recipe as-is! Thanks for sharing!

You can also buy them at Costco. It's much cheaper than the health food stores although the last time I bought them they had raised their prices. <br />I like to blend mine with hemp milk and sprinkle a little bee pollen on top.